Page 50 - The Flickering Cauldron Magazine - May 2022

Four Thieves Vinegar
DMyth or Fact?
epending on which story you read, the dates vary to the 15th century and the 17th century. But essentially, this is how the story
is written.
During the Black Death epidemic in Marseille, France, there was a Gang of Four thieves who robbed the homes of the dead and the sick, but did not get sick themselves.
The four thieves were spice traders and merchants who imported their goods to sell. During the Black Death, international shipping for trade closed, owing to fear of catching the disease and spreading it, as there was no cure. Unable to do business, they soon ran out of money and looked to different ways to support themselves. They got together and came up with a formula to protect themselves, to go out robbing.
Scientists believe the formula worked for them as it was a potent insect repellent, which includes fleas, which spread the disease. There is nothing documented as to how they knew this formula would
work when making it, but we guess they knew exactly what they were doing as it did actually work.
They took clothes, jewellery, pots and pans, anything that was of value and traded or bartered them for money and food.
Their antics did not go unnoticed by the authorities of the time, and eventually they were caught. In exchange for leniency, of not being burned alive, they offered up their secret formula which protected them, whilst committing said crimes.
This was accepted and they were given a quick death by hanging.
It is said that they prepared an oil and vinegar recipe that, when applied to temples, ears, feet and hands (or we suspect everywhere - why would you not, taking a risk). This came to be known as Thieves Oil.
The formula for this was written up by the authorities, and was posted throughout the city, so everyone could make it for themselves.
50 | The Flickering Cauldron® Magazine - Four Thieves Vinegar